Sony RX100 III announced – high-end compact with a viewfinder

Sony today announced the next version of the popular premium compact range, the Sony RX100 III or Mark 3.

Marketed as a potential replacement for an interchangeable lens camera the RX100 Mark 3 is a step up from the RX100 II and RX100 which will remain on sale. This is an addition to the range rather than a replacement.

One of the main differences between the RX100 III and its siblings is the inclusion of a built in, pop-up OLED electronic viewfinder. Aside from this the RX100 III will come with a fast 24-70mm wide zoom range with a F2.8 maximum aperture and a 20.1 megapixel resolution sensor. Other improvements include a more screen with more tilt and that can flip 180 degrees – for when camera phone selfies just won’t do.

Crucially despite the additions the RX100 III manages to stay compact. It’s just 2.7mm thicker than the Mark 2 and just 9g heavier; all other dimensions remain the same.

The RX100 III will come with Sony’s BIONZ X image processing engine which is the processor found on the impressive Sony a7R. Sony claims this is three times faster than the BIONZ processor on the RX100 II and allows for faster continuous shooting.

Sony has also upgraded the video taking capability of the RX100 III. Able to use both the AVCHD and XAVC S format, it is able to capture video with full pixel readout and 50Mbps bit rate. High 120p framerate shooting is also included.

Being able to easily connect your camera with your phone and tablet wirelessly has become a feature that consumers request more and more according to Sony. To accommodate this Wi-Fi and NFC have been added to the RX100 III that will work with a suite of PlayMemories phone apps.

Despite questioning Sony would not provide a release date or price for the RX100 III. We will keep you posted as soon as we find out.